Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics

Probing Rydberg atoms through collisions with helium in the presence of static electric and magnetic fields

Saverio Bivona, R. Burlon, G. Ferrante, C Leone

Published Jan 6, 2005• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We report on field induced inelasticity effects in state-to-state transitions caused by collisions of helium with Rydberg atoms in the presence of parallel static electric and magnetic fields. Due to the phases accumulated by the wavefunctions of the states involved into the collision events, the transition cross sections plotted as a function of the external fields exhibit modulations. When the relative velocity of the colliding atoms is high enough, these modulations are wiped out, while sizable modifications of the cross sections may take place due to the alteration of the wavefunctions' spatial localization. The possibility of using the field-assisted collisions as a probe giving information on localization of the Rydberg states is discussed.

DOI
10.1088/0953-4075/38/2/010

Related papers

Collisions of helium with Rydberg atoms in the presence of static electric and magnetic fields

Saverio Bivona, R. Burlon, G. Ferrante +1 more

Alignment and orientation effects in collisions of helium with Rydberg atoms due to the presence of static electric and magnetic fields are predicted. Analytical expressions are obtained for the cross sections of the state-to-state transitions within the manifold with the same principal quantum number. For moderate field-induced inelasticity, the curves of the cross sections vs the fields intensity show modulations that are explained in terms of the phase differences accumulated by the wave functions of the states involved in the collision. Due to the presence of the magnetic field, transitions involving inversion of high magnetic quantum numbers are dramatically quenched. The possibility of observing the predicted effects is discussed. The reported analytical cross sections are expected to help in the understanding of the results.

Physical Review A•Oct 22, 2004•2 citations

Collisions of Rydberg atoms in an electric field: Calculations using hydrogenic wave functions in parabolic coordinates

A. P. Hickman

The theory of collisions of Rydberg atoms with rare-gas atoms is generalized to include the effects of an applied static electric field. Two effects occur. First, the field causes the states to split, and the increased energy separations lead to a decrease in the inelastic cross sections. Second, there is a change in the form of the wave functions, because the various Stark states in the field have electron charge distributions that may be localized in very different regions of space. The present work focuses on this second effect. With the description of the initial and final Stark states of the Rydberg atom by the proper electronic wave functions obtained in parabolic coordinates, cross sections are obtained for a variety of specific transitions of Rydberg atoms ($n=10, 15, \mathrm{and} 20$) caused by collisions. The calculations are strictly valid for hydrogen, but exhibit general features that are expected to apply to other Rydberg atoms as well. The results show a dramatic effect on the cross section for particular transitions depending on the degree of overlap of the initial and final charge distributions. In addition, it is observed that transitions are favored that involve small changes in the azimuthal quantum number $m$. The origin of this tendency is discussed.

Physical Review A•Jul 1, 1983•18 citations

Influence of an external electric field on thermal collisions between ‘‘circular’’ Rydberg-state atoms and ground-state helium

E. de Prunelé

The influence of an external electric field on thermal collisions between a sodium atom excited in a ``circular'' Rydberg state (n=l+1=m+1=20) and a ground-state helium atom is studied numerically within the framework of the impulse approximation. The effect of the field is determined by using parabolic wave functions for the initial and final hydrogenic atomic states. The removal of degeneracy induced by the field appears to have no significant effect for fields in the range of 0--400 V/cm. However, the state-to-state transition cross sections are strongly dependent on the initial orientation as found in previous calculations without electric field.

Physical Review A•May 1, 1986•4 citations

Probing Rydberg Atoms in the Presence of Static Electric and magnetic Fields Through Collisions with Helium Atoms. International Workshop and Seminar on Rydberg Physics. May 2004 (Dresden)

Saverio Bivona, R. Burlon, LEONE, Claudio

•Jan 1, 2004•0 citations

Helium Rydberg states in parallel electric and magnetic fields

Tony van der Veldt, W. Vassen, W. Hogervorst

The n=60, L z =0 angular momentum manifold in helium is studied in the presence of an electric field parallel to a fixed magnetic field (B=0.1539 T). Results obtained from a CW laser-atomic beam experiment are compared with diagonalization calculations and with a WKB approximation including core effects. Core-induced anticrossings have been analysed in detail. The supersymmetry, including quasi-crossings in hydrogen to occur at the same value of the electric field strength, does not apply for L z =0 manifolds in non-hydrogenic Rydberg atoms.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Jul 14, 1993•12 citations

Ionization and excitation of Rydberg states in collisions of fast metastable helium atoms with He, Ne and N2

Yu. A. Kudryavtsev, V. V. Petrunin

The cross sections for ionization and excitation into Rydberg states (n = 21-27) were determined for fast (accelerated to 3.9 keV) metastable helium atoms colliding with He, Ne, and N, .An analysis of the collisionally excited helium atoms in terms of their principal quantum number was carried out using for the ionization by an electric field a system capable of separation in accordance with n and was calibrated using signals from Rydberg states excited selectively by laser radiation.

Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics•Jan 1, 1991•0 citations
We report on field induced inelasticity effects in state-to-state transitions caused by collisions of helium with Rydberg atoms in the presence of parallel static electric and magnetic fields. Due to the phases accumulated by the wavefunctions of the states involved into the collision events, the transition cross sections plotted as a function of the external fields exhibit modulations. When the relative velocity of the colliding atoms is high enough, these modulations are wiped out, while sizable modifications of the cross sections may take place due to the alteration of the wavefunctions' spatial localization. The possibility of using the field-assisted collisions as a probe giving information on localization of the Rydberg states is discussed.
Alignment and orientation effects in collisions of helium with Rydberg atoms due to the presence of static electric and magnetic fields are predicted. Analytical expressions are obtained for the cross sections of the state-to-state transitions within the manifold with the same principal quantum number. For moderate field-induced inelasticity, the curves of the cross sections vs the fields intensity show modulations that are explained in terms of the phase differences accumulated by the wave functions of the states involved in the collision. Due to the presence of the magnetic field, transitions involving inversion of high magnetic quantum numbers are dramatically quenched. The possibility of observing the predicted effects is discussed. The reported analytical cross sections are expected to help in the understanding of the results.
The theory of collisions of Rydberg atoms with rare-gas atoms is generalized to include the effects of an applied static electric field. Two effects occur. First, the field causes the states to split, and the increased energy separations lead to a decrease in the inelastic cross sections. Second, there is a change in the form of the wave functions, because the various Stark states in the field have electron charge distributions that may be localized in very different regions of space. The present work focuses on this second effect. With the description of the initial and final Stark states of the Rydberg atom by the proper electronic wave functions obtained in parabolic coordinates, cross sections are obtained for a variety of specific transitions of Rydberg atoms (n=10,15,and20n=10, 15, \mathrm{and} 20n=10,15,and20) caused by collisions. The calculations are strictly valid for hydrogen, but exhibit general features that are expected to apply to other Rydberg atoms as well. The results show a dramatic effect on the cross section for particular transitions depending on the degree of overlap of the initial and final charge distributions. In addition, it is observed that transitions are favored that involve small changes in the azimuthal quantum number mmm. The origin of this tendency is discussed.
The influence of an external electric field on thermal collisions between a sodium atom excited in a ``circular'' Rydberg state (n=l+1=m+1=20) and a ground-state helium atom is studied numerically within the framework of the impulse approximation. The effect of the field is determined by using parabolic wave functions for the initial and final hydrogenic atomic states. The removal of degeneracy induced by the field appears to have no significant effect for fields in the range of 0--400 V/cm. However, the state-to-state transition cross sections are strongly dependent on the initial orientation as found in previous calculations without electric field.
The n=60, L z =0 angular momentum manifold in helium is studied in the presence of an electric field parallel to a fixed magnetic field (B=0.1539 T). Results obtained from a CW laser-atomic beam experiment are compared with diagonalization calculations and with a WKB approximation including core effects. Core-induced anticrossings have been analysed in detail. The supersymmetry, including quasi-crossings in hydrogen to occur at the same value of the electric field strength, does not apply for L z =0 manifolds in non-hydrogenic Rydberg atoms.